The Scheduling Slump: Could a Packed Calendar Be Costing Al Nassr Points?
3 January 2026
In Focus: Schedule Under Scrutiny
Saudi broadcaster Walid Al-Faraj argues that the current Roshen (Saudi Pro League) calendar has harmed Al Nassr, costing them five points across two consecutive fixtures after a run of victories.
Al Nassr suffered their first loss of the season last Friday, a 3-2 defeat to Al Ahli in round 13, just three days after their previous setback—a 2-2 draw with Al Ettifaq in round 12.
Al-Faraj reposted an old clip from October, stressing the difficulty of Al Nassr’s January schedule despite a stretch of wins at that time.
After showing the clip, he said: "Some argued the league calendar opened a path for Al Nassr to pick up points, but if that’s true, the team is paying the price now."
He added: "If we suppose the schedule began with easier matches and then a dense block of tougher games came all at once, the price is paid in early losses."
He continued: "If the calendar was designed to favor Al Nassr initially, it has now harmed the team by stacking the strong fixtures back-to-back, leaving no breathing room."
He went on: "Al Nassr drew with Al Ettifaq and did not get a rest, then lost to Al Ahli, and now faces Al Qadsia; if results go negative, a clash with Al Hilal awaits next, adding pressure on the squad."
He concluded: "The schedule has harmed Al Nassr by letting them cruise through 13 relatively quiet rounds before a dense finish to the first half."
Following the loss to Al Ahli, Al Nassr will host Al Qadsia on Thursday, then visit their arch-rivals Al Hilal four days later, and welcome Al Shabab five days after that. They still sit top of the Saudi Pro League on 31 points, but could drop the lead to Al Hilal if the latter win against Damac in Sunday’s final round of the 13th matchweek.
Upcoming Fixtures And Stakes
The coming schedule keeps Al Nassr busy with a home game against Al Qadsia, an away trip to Al Hilal, and another home match with Al Shabab, with title-holders watching closely as rivals edge closer.
